Several leagues have already crowned their champions but many others have yet to decide their automatic playoff qualifier.  That process continues on Tuesday with several important matches on the slate.  We’ll update the results and then break down how they will impact conference races.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY OT SPORTSCHECK

 

CLASS 1A

  • Dove Creek clinched the San Juan championship with a five-set match that stretched over two days.  The Bulldogs started their win over their 2A league rivals last week by losing the first two sets but then the match was suspended due to a health emergency in the crowd.  The match was picked up today with Dove Creek rallying for the five set victory.
  • Briggsdale is ranked #1 in Class 1A RPI and they only strengthened that number by taking out Wiggins 3-0.  The Tigers entered the match third in 2A RPI
  • Wiley stays unbeaten in the Ark Valley as they swept South Baca 3-0.  The Panthers had already clinched the championship before the match thanks to the win over Springfield last week.
  • Flagler scored a road upset of Cheyenne Wells in four sets and the loss could damage the playoff hopes of the Tigers.  Cheyenne Wells opened the match 23rd in RPI and the top 24 clubs make the regional bracket.  Flagler is 35th in RPI and the win keeps their slim hopes alive.

CLASS 2A

  • With Dove Creek beating Dolores, Ignacio is now alone in second place in the San Juan as they swept Norwood 3-0.  Since the Bobcats also have a win over Dolores, they’re in great shape to end up second at seasons end.
  • Byers preps for an important league date with Limon on Thursday by moving past Peyton 3-1.  The match with Limon will determine second behind 1A Stratton in the Union Pacific.
  • In a non-league matchup of teams with winning records, Calhan picked up a 3-1 win over Las Animas.  The Bulldogs are 25th in RPI and Las Animas #32 so both are likely playoff clubs.
  • Union Colony Prep stays alone in third inside the Mile HIgh with a 3-1 win over Highland.  It will be difficult for the Wolves to move any higher as they have league losses to first place Denver Christian and second place Dayspring Christian.  Dayspring blanked Heritage Christian 3-0 this evening.
  • The top 10 battle between Denver Christian and Limon went a full five sets before the Thunder took the match 3-2.  Denver Christian entered the night seventh in RPI and Limon 16th.

CLASS 3A

  • Lamar officially wrapped up the Tri Peaks championship with a 3-0 sweep of Banning Lewis.  The win also kept the Savages unbeaten overall at 16-0 and they’re ranked #2 in RPI.  Manitou Springs remains alone in second with their 3-0 sweep of James Irwin.
  • Eaton fell out of a second place tie in the Patriot with University and Sterling as they fell to Valley in five sets.  Game five went to the Vikings 16-14 as they scored the final six points of the match.  University rolled Estes Park 3-0 while Sterling had the night off.
  • Lutheran kept a share of the Metro lead by beating Prospect Ridge 3-0.  That loss knocked the Miners out of the league championship chase as they’re now two back of the Lions and Faith Christian.  The two leaders meet on the 27th and could face off a second time during the league tournament on the 29th and 30th.
  • Basalt stayed within range of second place in the Western Slope by beating Roaring Fork 3-1.  The Longhorns are one game behind North Fork and Aspen but still have league matches left with both teams.  Delta has already clinched the championship.

CLASS 4A

  • Thompson Valley avenged one of their earlier losses by taking out Frederick in three sets.  We’re still trying to determine if this match or the earlier one counts in the league standings as the winner will end up second to Niwot in the Longs Peak chase.
  • Pueblo West keeps sole possession of the South Central lead by downing Pueblo South 3-0.  Pueblo County stayed alone in second and one game back of the Cyclones with a win over Pueblo Central (3-1).
  • Windsor gets the 3-1 win over Erie inside the NCAA conference.  Erie won the earlier matchup and much like Thompson Valley and Frederick, we’ve not been informed which one is the conference match.  Neither team has a concern about not making the bracket but the league championship is on the line as both are unbeaten against the rest of the conference.

CLASS 5A

  • Valor Christian wraps up the Jeffco championship with the 3-0 sweep of Pomona.  Ralston Valley clinched second with their 3-0 win over Columbine.
  • There’s now a tie atop the 4A/5A Pikes Peak league.  Rampart survived for a wild 3-2 win over Liberty and Palmer Ridge was upset by Cheyenne Mountain 3-1.  The results leave Rampart and Palmer Ridge tied in first with one loss apiece with Cheyenne Mountain now a game back in third.  Palmer Ridge and Rampart meet on Friday.
  • While not officially clinching, Brighton took a major step to winning the East Metro title with a 3-1 win over Vista Peak.  Both teams were unbeaten in league activity at the start of the match and all other league members have at least two losses.